Daily Mail Football Editor Ian Ladyman has forecast a dramatic comeback for Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur, following the club's decision to part ways with manager Thomas Frank. This potential return would see the Argentine tactician, who currently leads the USA national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, resume his former role in north London.
Ladyman's Bold Prediction for Spurs' Future
Speaking on the Whistleblowers podcast with co-hosts Mark Clattenburg and Gordon Smart, Ladyman expressed strong confidence that Pochettino will take the reins at Tottenham after this summer's tournament. He suggested an interim manager should be appointed immediately to steer the club away from relegation danger in the Premier League.
'I would be amazed if it's not Pochettino managing Spurs next season,' Ladyman stated emphatically. 'If I was in charge of Tottenham, I would hire an interim manager between now and the end of the season, just to keep them up. Poch won't stay with the US after the World Cup, I am sure of that. I would then get him in during the summer. I think there's unfinished business there.'
Frank's Dismissal and Tottenham's Precarious Position
Tottenham officially announced Frank's departure yesterday, citing his failure to secure a single victory in eight Premier League matches during 2026. The club currently languishes in 16th place, merely five points above the relegation zone, intensifying the urgency for managerial stability.
Ladyman supported the board's difficult decision, arguing it was necessary to protect Tottenham's top-flight status. 'Tottenham have Arsenal at home next up. They have West Ham picking up points beneath them. Spurs cannot allow themselves to get relegated,' he explained. 'To safeguard their immediate future, they sadly had to sack a bloke who most people in my industry think a great deal of. But, Frank has failed at Tottenham.'
Pochettino's Legacy and Unfinished Business
Mauricio Pochettino's previous tenure at Tottenham from 2014 to 2019 is remembered as the club's most successful period in recent history. He guided the team to the 2019 Champions League final and achieved a 55.9% win percentage, the third highest in Tottenham's Premier League era, though he was controversially sacked in November 2019 without securing major silverware.
Ladyman highlighted this legacy as a key reason for Pochettino's potential return, emphasizing the emotional and professional connections that remain unresolved.
Underlying Issues in the Tottenham Squad
Beyond managerial changes, Ladyman pointed to deeper problems within the squad, citing sources close to the club who have indicated all season that the team's quality is insufficient. He critiqued their Champions League performance, noting that victories came against weaker opponents.
'Martin Samuel at The Times pointed out yesterday that they've only beat Dortmund, Frankfurt, Slavia Prague, Copenhagen and Villarreal,' Ladyman remarked. 'Copenhagen finished 31st, Frankfurt 33rd, Prague 34th and Villarreal 35th. It looks like they just got a really lucky draw. They beat the teams they should have beaten. They won against the rubbish in the Champions League. They can't beat Premier League teams. Their XGs are embarrassingly bad at home.'
This assessment underscores the challenges facing Tottenham, regardless of who occupies the managerial hot seat. The club's immediate focus will be on avoiding relegation with an interim appointment, while fans and pundits alike await Pochettino's possible summer homecoming.
